Syria Holds Initial Legislative Polls After the Ousting of Bashar al-Assad
Syria is organizing its first-ever parliamentary elections after the removal of its longtime ruler, marking a cautious advancement for political voting which have been questioned as potentially biased toward the country's transitional authorities.
Legislative Body Election
While the conflict-ravaged country advances in its political transformation after Assad, local committee members are commencing the important step of electing a transitional parliament.
A third of parliamentary positions are to be designated through the transitional head in a step seen as reinforcing his authority. The remaining two-thirds will be selected through province-based electoral colleges, with seats allocated depending on resident counts.
Voting Procedure Information
Universal suffrage was not implemented since transitional leaders explained the extensive movement of citizens plus record destruction during wartime years would cause this step unfeasible at this stage.
"There are multiple awaiting bills that require approval to move forward with development and growth initiatives. Rebuilding Syria represents a shared responsibility, with every citizen needs to engage to this endeavor."
The interim authorities terminated the former rubber-stamp legislature upon gaining control.
Parliament Makeup
The newly established 210-member institution, called the People's Assembly, will undertake enacting new electoral legislation and a constitution. Based on administrative groups, exceeding 1,500 aspirants – merely 14% female representation – are vying for positions in the parliament, that will function with a extendable 30-month duration while organizing later voting.
Candidate Requirements
Under established regulations, aspiring representatives should not back the former regime while refraining from advocating secession or partition.
Included among candidates appears a Syrian-American the aspirant Henry, the pioneering Jewish nominee in over eight decades.
Regional Election Postponements
Voting processes were suspended indefinitely within Sweida's Druze-dominated area and in territories controlled by Kurdish-led forces due to ongoing tensions involving area administrations and national leadership.
Differing Opinions
Critics contend the delegate selection system may favor well-connected individuals, giving the transitional government unequal advantage while excluding specific cultural and religious minorities. However, for other observers, the poll signaled a positive development.
Individual Accounts
After being contacted by voting authorities to become part of the voting assembly, Dr. Daaboul, a medical practitioner from Damascus, explained her initial rejection, worried about the obligation and unfavorable image of past legislatures. However upon learning her role would only involve as part of the voting body, she agreed, describing it as "a patriotic responsibility".
During voting day, the doctor stated: "This constitutes the initial time I've voted in my lifetime. I'm content, and I don't mind waiting in extended queues."
Lara Eezouki, a national elections committee representative in Damascus, highlighted that the new assembly incorporates all religious sects and demographic sections and called it "the historic first occasion in Syrian history that voting actually determines – when outcomes aren't predetermined".
The ex-military Halabi, who previously served during the former regime but defected subsequent to large-scale opposition rallies met with harsh crackdowns and triggered civil war in 2011, stated: "This demonstrates the inaugural occasion during our existence we've participated in an open election mechanism without external pressure."